A grand timber structure balances on high-set pillars dominates the street. A beautiful, large veranda wraps around the property, perfectly positioned to catch the breeze. The exterior always covered in lovely, intricate designs that screen the sunlight and ventilate cool air. Fruit trees and fragrant frangipanis feature in a vibrate garden enclosed by a white picket fence.This image is familiar to the residents of Brisbane. It is the image of the iconic Queenslander.
Almost every street in the inner-city suburbs was home to one of these magnificent houses at some point. However, recent times have seen Queenslander’s becoming an abandoned feature of Brisbane, with protected houses left to rot on the land they stand upon.
There are so many reasons as to why Brisbane should be investing to restore and maintain these slices of history. This article outlines five of the big reasons why Queenslanders are so important to protect.
1. The Queensland heat is no problem
Queensland is a sub-tropical state. Brisbane’s intense heat and humidity make the area somewhat difficult to live comfortably.
To combat this, Queenslanders were designed with the aim of creating a comfortable, cool residence for Brisbane families. A key feature of the Queenslander is that gorgeous wrap-around veranda. These ensure the residents have a cool place to sit in the summer, as the verandas capture the breeze. Queenslanders also have very strategically positioned windows, often at the front and back of the property with push-out frames. These frames are important as they maximise airflow through the house.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Can you imagine having family dinners during summer out on this gorgeous, breezy veranda? This property in Crown Street, Holland Park West was sold by Hutton & Hutton Inner East agent Ivana Reich.
2. They’re high off the ground
Brisbane city has a tendency to flood every decade or so. The 1974 and 2011 floods put Brisbane’s housing to the test and the Queenslanders came out strong. Often constructed on hills upon large timber pillars, Queenslanders make the perfect residence to avoid flood damage.
Another reason for their elevated status is to avoid termite infestation! The further off the ground a Queenslander sits, the harder it is for termites to make a home. Furthermore, you may notice that the majority of Queenslanders have little to no trees or greenery touching the house. This is another termite-prevention method in action.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) They’re high-set for a reason! This beautiful Queenslander was sold by Jarrod Perry, principal of Hutton & Hutton Inner East.
3. The detail within the houses is stunning
I don’t think there is anyone arguing Queenslanders aren’t beautiful. Their unique beauty and stunning details are the reason most people invest in restorations. The hardwood floors give every room an air of elegance and class. The high ceilings decorated with delicate cornices and roses create the feeling of wide-open spaces. The beautiful bay windows create plenty of storage as well as a picturesque finish to any room and the traditional white and pastel colour palette create a fresh, vibrant living space.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) The colour scheme and bay seat within this room are characteristic of a Queenslander. This stunning home was sold by Hutton & Hutton Inner East’s Ivana Reich.
4. So much history has occurred within their walls
If you’ve lived in Brisbane most of your life, chances are you’ve spent some time in a Queenslander home. Some of the homes dotted around in suburbs such as Paddington, High Hill, East Brisbane and New Farm date back to as early as 1880. If these pre-war colonial houses could speak, imagine the stories they’d tell.
Long before Australia could be considered a federation, Queenslanders were built within colonies. They stood witness to the influenza pandemic of 1918, two World Wars, and the advent of television. They remained strong throughout the swinging ‘60s, the disco of the ‘70s, and the raging ‘80s. Dozens upon dozens of families have lived within their walls, each using the rooms for different purposes, changing and updating them as they went along.
Queenslanders aren’t just a part of this state’s history; they are this state’s history.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Imagine how many families have curled up and talked in front of this fireplace. This gorgeous piece of New Farm history was sold by Hutton & Hutton CEO Peter Hutton.
5. Queenslanders love Queenslanders
Finally, the nostalgia and sentimentality sparked by a beautiful Queenslander make them valuable property when listed for sale. Hutton & Hutton Real Estate has plenty of experience in helping people buy and sell Queenslanders around Brisbane. Just last year an iconic piece of Queensland history became available for purchase and was listed with Hutton & Hutton. Constructed in 1901, 22 Abbot Street, New Farm retains much of its unique, beautiful character including a 117-year-old frangipani tree at the front of the property. This incredible home sold for $3.36 million to owners who plan to maintain the integrity of the building and restore it to its former glory.
Do you currently live in a Queenslander? Do you want to make sure it’s next owners will love and cherish it as much as you have? Or perhaps you’d like to buy and restore a Queenslander yourself?
Whatever your needs, Hutton & Hutton can help. You can rest assured we’ll take care of you and your little slice of Queensland history. Give us a call today.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Queenslanders are too beautiful not to love! Hutton & Hutton CEO Peter Hutton was responsible for the sale of this incredible house.
